Posts by Author

Author: Brian M. Rosenthal

AUSTIN — Even with a measles outbreak dominating headlines, don’t expect an avalanche of immediate support for a high-profile idea to cut down on the ability of Texas parents to opt their children out of school immunization requirements. Two state Senate committee chairmen told the Houston Chronicle they have hesitations about a bill that state Rep. […] …

AUSTIN — Lawyers for the company at the center of Texas’s no-bid contract scandal will get the chance to question a lobbyist who they say caused the deal to unravel, following a Tuesday court ruling. Travis County District Judge Orlinda Naranjo ordered James Frinzi to submit to a deposition within three weeks as part of […] …

AUSTIN — Hours after a Houston state lawmaker called on the company at the center of a no-bid contract scandal to disclose its investors, the CEO said in a blog post it firm has none. Seeking a subtle way to quell building speculation about whether the company has politically-connected investors, CEO Irene Williams said in […] …

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday he has chosen a veteran of the efforts to rebuild Iraq as the new director of the embattled Texas state agency charged with rooting out health care fraud and abuse. Stuart W. Bowen, Jr., will serve as the Inspector General in the state Health and Human Services Commission, […] …

Here is a copy of prepared remarks of Gov.-elect Greg Abbott, which he is set to deliver after being sworn in shortly after 11:30 am.. Tuesday: Thank you and welcome to your capitol of Texas. Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Straus, elected officials, members of the Judiciary and the Legislature – and most especially, my fellow […] …

Here is a copy of Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick’s speech, which he is set to deliver after being sworn in shortly after 11 am.. Tuesday: If not for the grace of God, you, and millions of Texans, I would not be standing here today. Proverbs 21:31 says: “the horse is made ready for battle, but […] …

AUSTIN — Five months after the indictment of Gov. Rick Perry, Republicans have taken their first official step toward fulfilling a pledge to reorganize the team whose investigation led to the charges. State Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Spring, filed a bill and constitutional amendment last Friday to move the duties of the Public Integrity Unit from the Travis […] …

AUSTIN — The woman who is set to replace Wendy Davis in the state Senate is emphasizing the change through a device famously used by Davis: footwear. Konni Burton, a tea party favorite who won a contested election for the Fort Worth-area seat last November, showed up Tuesday at the state Capitol for the first […] …

AUSTIN –Texas state health officials have decided not to release any more records about a controversial no-bid contract until a criminal investigation has been completed, reversing an earlier pledge to produce the public documents. Spokeswoman Stephanie Goodman told reporters this week that the Health and Human Services Commission had formally asked the Attorney General’s Office […] …

David Lakey, the doctor who drew praise for providing a steady hand during last fall’s Ebola scare, is leaving his job atop the Texas Department of State Health Services after eight years, officials said Tuesday. Lakey is planning to join the University of Texas System as associate chancellor for public health, a joint position with the […] …